-
Proper Harp Care
Hello everyone! #1. I recently read that a harp should not be left standing alone. It is best placed in a corner or with its “back” against a sturdy piece of furniture. First, does anyone do this? Second, do you think the logic is simply, so it is less likely to be knocked over?
#2. I also saw a discussion in the FB group about dropping the levers after playing the harp. I leave my levers on my Salvi Mia (aka Anabella) up. There were varying opinions about whether this damages the strings over time.
What do you think?
Smiles! ~Paulette
-
2 Replies
-
Hi @paulette.macdonald ! I used to keep the harp in a corner because my kids were younger then and I thought it would be best for me to keep the harp away from them to avoid accidents. Three years later, I totally have the lever harp in a relatively open spot next to my pedal harp (which is placed closer to the wall). The kids are used to paying attention to the harps now that I feel safe enough to do that, although I still tuck it away to the corner where the lever harp used to stay when I have visitors over. If you have pets in the house, that could be another consideration. If you decided to put the harp in a corner, you may want to look out for other factors that would affect the harp such as windows (tends to have less even temperature) and heater / radiators.
With regards to the levers, I tend to leave them the way it is during the day and put them all down before I go to bed at night. I put the pedals on my pedal harp to “open strings” position (flat) as well at night. I was told that this will help reduce the tension on the strings which in turn would help reduce string breakage. That being said, the temperature and humidity in my home is relatively consistent throughout the year which also contribute towards strings not breaking as easily.
Hope that helps!
-
Thank you, @victoria.johnson. Since it’s just my husband and I, and barring any unforeseen tragedies, I think I can leave my lever harp in place then. I thought it might have something to do with the weight, but it doesn’t. Also, I was glad I attended this month’s Harp Grove discussion because the “after party” discussion was all about these issues. Now I know to be sure the humidity is between 40-60%. I’m also going to put the dust cover on it at night. I think that will reduce the dust which apparently can irritate the levers over time. We have hardwood floors which means the dust spreads a little quicker. Thanks and I hope you’re doing well!
Log in to reply.